Every business ‘needs to go digital’ as internet economy will double by 2016
Every business needs to ‘go digital’ to capitalise on the dramatic growth predicted in the internet economy, according to a report from The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
“No company or country can afford to ignore this development. Every business needs to go digital.”
According to the report, companies that make extensive use of the internet – including social media – to sell, market and interact with their customers and suppliers, grow faster than those that do not.
In fact, in the UK, the data shows that those with a medium or high internet presence saw their business grow seven times faster than those called ‘low-web’ or ‘no-web’.
We read this report with interest. We aim to have as much web presence as possible – if you have any suggestions on how we can improve please let us know. You can use email to receive quotes, book in vehicles and get advice. We can email reminders for MOTs and service work, invoices and estimates to you. You can pay us by BACS.
In fact, because we have our free local collect and deliver service, you don’t have to leave your desk or house at all.
MOT seminar feedback
6 of us went to sunny Swindon last night (-6 degrees) for the annual MOT seminar.
We all learnt useful things, especially as this year there are so many changes to testable items covered by the MOT.
The presenters also covered the package of transparency and value-for-money measures unveiled on Feb 1 by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
Here is the press release from the Department for Transport:
An evaluation of existing MOT test standards and frequency took account of the views and evidence offered by a wide range of organisations.
In particular, it considered data from Department for Transport executive agency VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) showing that more than a quarter (27.7%) of vehicles tested in 2010-2011 had one or more car defects that were either missed by MOT test centres or incorrectly assessed.
The VOSA data also showed that the roadworthiness of one-in-eight cars (12.4%) was being incorrectly assessed by MOT test centres.
As a result, the Government will work with industry, motoring organisations and consumer groups to focus on the reliability and standards of garages. The Government has decided to:
- Retain the existing rules on MOT test frequency since the evidence shows that vehicle defects are being missed and roadworthiness mis-assessed.
- Shine a light on the performance of MOT testing stations by releasing hitherto unpublished VOSA survey data on whether the sector is complying with test standards. This is published today.
- Work with motoring organisations to find out what problems motorists experience and enable them to share examples of good customer service – in particular to find ways to make it easier for customers to give feedback on their experiences of garages in a way that others can see – potentially in the manner of existing online hotel and restaurant review websites.
- Encourage the take up of industry codes of practice – and expand them to include MOT testing – so that customers can find garages signed up to schemes delivering the highest standards and take action if they have not received the service they expect.
- Help motorists to spot “clocked” second hand vehicles, by changing MOT certificates so that they carry the last three years’ mileage information as well as the mileage on the day of the test, and encourage car buyers to check full MOT histories using the online MOT database.
- Arrange “mystery shopper” tests to help improve performance in addition to those already carried out by VOSA.
Justine Greening said:
“Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows that there is room for improvement.”
“I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service.”
“Giving drivers the very best information about garage performance is absolutely key to achieving this goal. It means that responsible garages will be well placed to reap the commercial benefits of transparency. Garages where performance is not up to scratch will find themselves under pressure to do more for their customers.”
Notes to Editors
- There are 35 million MOT tests conducted at 21,000 authorised premises across Great Britain every year. The cost to motorists of the test alone is around £1.5bn.
- The garage sector is regulated in several ways. The sector has to comply with business laws and consumer protection legislation. The MOT scheme is regulated by VOSA, an agency of the Department for Transport.
- Self-regulation has an important role to play also. For example, over 6500 garages self-regulate their customer service through the Motor Codes Ltd Code on Service and Repair which has full approval status under the OFT Approved Codes System. And nearly 1000 garages have been accredited with the BSI Kitemark scheme for automotive services.
….the pie and chips were pretty good too!
Google reviews
It’s always nice to receive reviews, especially when they are unsolicited and positive. Here are 2 posted on Google in the last couple of months:
Urgent MOT on my Ford Smax. They were great at fitting me in at short notice, kept me informed of progress and provided good value break replacement at the same time. Likely to get my car services there next time, especially as they collect and return your car.
Dave (Nov 2011)
Excellent service. Did my MOT and provided an impressive professional service. Had an issue with my car bonnet, popped over to PR Motors who solved the problem whilst I waited, no charge, no fuss and very efficient service.
Lisa (Jan 2012)
Many thanks to these customers. We also welcome any suggestions anyone has for improving our service in whatever way. Keep your thoughts coming……
What not to cut back on in times of austerity
We have noticed a massive increase in the number of people popping in, calling or mailing us asking for a job. Many of these are experienced mechanics who have recently been made redundant, but there are also many school leavers. A sign of the times?
Many companies and individuals are obviously feeling tightening economic conditions. Some may think now is a sensible time to cut back on routine servicing or other ‘non essential’ work on their vehicles. This may turn out to be a false economy. Well maintained engines are significantly more efficient than those that are not and so fuel costs will be lower. The same logic applies to tyres – keeping the pressure and depths within specification will also lower fuel costs. (to say nothing of the safety implications of running on illegal tyres).
We also recommend 4 wheel alignment if your tyres are wearing unevenly. A one off payment may well mean your tyres last a great deal longer than otherwise, so in the medium term you will actually save money.
Please feel free to ask us to explain any of the work we do, and its effects on your overall motoring costs. We always aim to give outstanding customer service, and indeed outstanding value for money.
Thanks to all our hard working team
All aspects of our business have been busy this week – MOTs, lorries, regular servicing and repairs and emergency work. Thanks to everyone for working so hard – and a special mention to Bobby for doing so many tyre replacements.
Robs MOT refresher course update, and forthcoming diagnostics courses
As predicted, Rob was pleasantly suprised with how up to date we are with the MOT changes being implemented this year. His refresher course will last for 5 years.
He and Paul are attending a diagnostics day lead by the mighty Frank Massey on 1 Feb. With over 40 years of industry
experience, Frank is highly respected throughout the automotive trade for his expertise and extensive knowledge.
The course will include:
- Getting The Most From Serial Diagnostics; DTC’s, Live data evaluation, Adaptive correction, Coding and programming and CAN networks
- Fuel Trim Analysis using serial communication and Oscilloscope testing procedures
- Common Rail Diagnostics using Serial communication and Oscilloscope testing procedures
Rob MOT refresher course
MOT testers are required to attend refresher courses every so often, and it’s Rob’s turn tomorrow and Friday. This is great timing for us as he will be completely up to date with the changes currently being implemented in the test. On his return on Monday he will share what he learnt with all our other testers.
We will be totally prepared for the seminar run by VOSA that we are all going to in February.
New Year New MOT items
As mentioned previously in this blog, the MOT test changed slightly as of 1 January.
New items including warning lights and airbags are now mandatory test items, and there are some new advisory items as well.
My personal favourite advisory item is:
“Steering and suspension ball joint and dust covers not preventing the ingress of dirt”
….it’s not often you come across language like that, is it?
If you would like to know more about the changes, please contact us.